Pre-game: Orioles vs. Blue Jays

The Orioles open up their three-city, 10-game road trip -- their first of the season -- tonight under a closed roof at the Rogers Centre.

The Birds haven't played well here, going 4-23 over the past three years in Toronto.

One thing to note in tonight's Orioles lineup: Mark Reynolds, who has struggled at third, is at DH tonight. Wilson Betemit gets the start at third in his place.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who said recently that he wants to give Reynolds every chance to suceed at third, said today that Reynolds will take some balls at first base to take advantage of his defensive flexibility. Very interesting.

Second baseman Brian Roberts is on the road trip and plans to make the trip to Chicago as well. He took part in early batting practice this afternoon. Roberts will be on the trip here and also join the team in Chicago. It's still undetermined whether he'll go to Anaheim for the last leg of the trip.

Right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom said he's available today. Showalter said after Wednesday's game that Lindstrom wasn't available to pitch because of a stiff back. Lindstrom said he's been having back issues for some time but could have pitched Wednesday.

Rule 5 pick Ryan Flaherty, who was a defensive replacement at third on Saturday, has yet to make a start, but Showalter said Flaherty will start Saturday or Sunday.

Also, Showalter didn't tinker with the front end of the rotation after yesterday's off day, but he pushed back left-hander Wei-Yin Chen one day, splitting up the left-handers. So, lefty Brian Matusz is slated to start Sunday's series finale, right-hander Jake Arrieta will start Monday's series opener at Chicago and Chen will start Tuesday against the White Sox.

More than anything, putting Arrieta between the two left-handers could give the bullpen some relief.